Match Preview - Gloucester City v Wimborne Town Sat 17/08/24

Match Preview - Gloucester City AFC vs Wimborne Town
A second away game in three days, a second away game on a 3G pitch, but a first game for
After 15 years in the National League, The Tigers were relegated from National North at the end of
last season with a W9 D9 L28 GF 49 GA 89 record (at home it was W6 D4 L13). The travelling
wouldn't have helped - their longest was the 280 miles to play Blyth Spartans. Gloucester started
that season with Tim Flowers as manager, but he was replaced in September by Mike Cook who
One of the favourites for a quick return to Step 2, The Tigers started this campaign on Saturday
with a 6-goal thriller at Taunton, who were relegated from National South: 3-0 down after half-an
hour, Cook's team scored three in seven second-half minutes, including a brace by skipper Joe
Hanks, to restore parity. On Tuesday at home against Plymouth Parkway, with a crowd of 812
urging them on, they scored another triple to leave them 3-0 up by the hour mark with that man
Hanks bagging his second brace (one from a cleverly-worked corner routine, one from 25 yards).
The visitors then pulled two back to make it a nervy last few minutes, but four points and six goals
The Magpies began their league campaign last Saturday by edging a tough encounter at home
against Hanwell Town thanks to Cam Munn's goal. On Wednesday they played Winchester City on
Basingstoke's 3G pitch, and recovered from going two down to win 4-2 with Cam Munn scoring a
perfect hat-trick, and Billy Walker bagging one from close range. Unfortunately Drew Eccott-Young
League games don't come much more difficult than visiting a team who played at Step 2 last
season. But Tim's team want to test themselves against the best and will be well prepared. The
Magpies will be the underdogs, and can play without any pressure - the complete opposite from
last season. The two teams have scored 11 goals between then in their collective four games this
term. This has all the ingredients of being a great example of non-league.
Venue: TigerTurf Stadium, Sudmeadow Road, Gloucester GL2 5HD approx 120 miles
Admission: adults £12 (online), £14 (gate); concessions £9, 12-17s £6; U12s free with adult; family
Last season Gloucester's programme was judged best in National North, and third best at Step 2,
Weather forecast: sunny intervals; 21oC; <5% chance of rain